St. James A.M.E. Church (Cape Girardeau, Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. James A.M.E. Church
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St. James A.M.E. Church, July 2014
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | 516 North St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1875, 1892 |
| Architectural style | center steeple church |
| NRHP reference No. | 13001085 |
| Added to NRHP | January 15, 2014 |
The St. James A.M.E. Church is a very old and important church building in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It is also known as St. James Chapel AME Church or simply St. James Chapel. This church belongs to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is a Christian group with a long history.
The church building itself is quite special. It was first built in 1875. Later, in 1892, a tall tower was added to the front. This historic building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. This means it is recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States.
A Look at the Church Building
The St. James A.M.E. Church is a one-story building. It is made of brick, but the outside is covered with a material called stucco. Stucco is a type of plaster that gives the building a smooth finish. The church has a simple, rectangular shape. The front of the building has a pointed roof section, which is called a gable.
The Tower and Basement
The most noticeable part of the church is its central tower. This square tower was added in 1892. It has wide eaves that stick out, which are the parts of the roof that hang over the walls. There is also a round window in the middle of the tower. The very top of the tower has a pyramid-shaped roof.
In 1926, a basement was dug underneath the church. This made the building sit a bit higher off the ground.
Why This Church is Important
The St. James A.M.E. Church is more than just an old building. It is one of only two African-American churches left in Cape Girardeau that were built during the Reconstruction Era. The Reconstruction Era was a period in American history right after the Civil War, from 1865 to 1877. During this time, many changes happened in the country, especially for African Americans.
This church served as a very important place for the African-American community in Cape Girardeau for many years. It was a place for worship, community gatherings, and support. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places shows its value as a historical landmark.
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
